Emma Raducanu’s quarter-final run at the Miami Open highlighted an important aspect of her game: she thrives in a positive and relaxed atmosphere. Before one of the biggest matches of her career, she was seen on the warmup lawn inside Hard Rock Stadium, engaged in a competitive but lighthearted game of spikeball with her team for the week Jane O’Donoghue, Mark Petchey, and Yutaka Nakamura. The laughter and energy on display reflected a theme that has been evident throughout her tournament Raducanu plays her best tennis when she is surrounded by a supportive and enjoyable environment.
This latest tournament run was preceded by yet another coaching change, with Raducanu parting ways with Slovak coach Vladimir Platenik just before her opening match. Her decision reinforced the idea that she values an adaptable, free-flowing approach rather than a rigid coaching structure. This mindset is not uncommon among professional players, who spend significant time with their support staff. Many, including Frances Tiafoe, emphasize the importance of chemistry and personal connection when choosing a coach.
The challenge now is to find a way to sustain this atmosphere in the long term. It appears unlikely that her current support team will continue with her beyond Miami. While O’Donoghue has been a consistent presence in Raducanu’s corner over the years, she has since moved into a career in finance. Petchey, a former coach of Raducanu, is primarily focused on his broadcasting career.
Despite cycling through multiple coaching arrangements, Raducanu has found more success when working with familiar faces coaches and mentors who knew her before her breakthrough. The process of assembling the right long-term team will be crucial as she looks to build consistency in her results.
Her strong performances in Miami offered a reminder of her talent. Throughout the tournament, she demonstrated variety in her game, constantly adjusting the speed, spin, and trajectory of her shots. Her backhand slice was effective, her defensive play was as sharp as ever, and she showed a growing confidence in dictating points against high-level opponents.
In addition to her defensive strengths, Raducanu’s offensive play stood out. Her crisp timing, aggressive ball-striking, and improved service game were on full display, particularly in her encounters with top-10 players. After dominating much of her three-set victory over eighth seed Emma Navarro, she pushed fourth seed Jessica Pegula in a high-quality quarter-final match. Though she ultimately fell short, Raducanu demonstrated that she can compete with elite players.
Her rapid rise to fame after winning the US Open created expectations that were difficult to manage. That triumph, achieved in just her second Grand Slam appearance, obscured the reality of how challenging life on the professional tour can be. Most players develop gradually, facing setbacks and adapting over time. Even the best players finish most tournaments with a loss, but their ability to learn from defeats helps them progress.
Now, the focus for Raducanu is on consistency. The Miami Open showed that she is making strides, but she will need to sustain this level over the course of a long and physically demanding season. Her work with strength and conditioning coach Yutaka Nakamura has already contributed to improved fitness, but staying injury-free will be critical.
Beyond physical endurance, maintaining a sense of joy and motivation in her daily training will be key. If she can channel the positive energy she found in Miami into her regular routine, she stands a better chance of turning this strong run into something more lasting. Whether this marks the start of a resurgence or is just a bright moment in an otherwise turbulent few years remains to be seen, but her journey remains compelling to watch.
